Academic Life

In Grinnell’s English curriculum you will read, analyze, discuss, and enjoy American, British, Irish, and Postcolonial literature. You will do intensive writing, with the chance to produce both creative and critical works. You can study independently and travel abroad, such as on the Grinnell-in-London program, and connect with visiting authors and critics on campus.

Discover the cultural richness of ancient Greece and Rome, and the beginnings of the liberal arts tradition. Classics at Grinnell includes not only the Greek and Latin languages, but also the history, literature, art, archaeology, mythology, and philosophy of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Study in Athens or Rome is available. Majors in classics go on to careers in many fields, including education, law, medicine, scientific research, business, and librarianship.

At Grinnell, studying art history and studio art is an interdisciplinary, cross-cultural investigation into artistic expression that can include study abroad, mentored advanced projects, exhibitions, and work with the College’s art collection and Faulconer Gallery.

The Office of the Registrar is Grinnell’s home for academic records, including the academic calendar and deadlines; course catalogs, schedules, and descriptions; course registration and resources; graduation requirements; major and concentration declarations; student records and transcripts; enrollment verifications; and changes in name and addresses. The registrar’s office also supports the faculty and administration with classroom scheduling, enrollment statistics, and many more academic functions.

The primary goal of the Reading Laboratory is to support your academic success at Grinnell. You will work both individually and in small discussion groups to improve your reading comprehension and rate, build your vocabulary, and develop more effective study strategies. International students may also choose to work on their English language proficiency.

The ALSO program offers highly motivated and independent students the opportunity to learn a language through a combination of self-instruction and peer tutoring. Languages offered have included Czech, Modern Greek, Hindi, Hebrew, Hungarian, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, and Swahili.

Students interested in any language may fill out an online application form. The Program Director will contact you about your application and desired course.